Simplified control system for electronic media

ABSTRACT

A control system with a simplified control device ( 10 ) for direct selection of electronic media operations, and for programmed navigation through the content without using dedicated navigation functions of a media player. The simplified control device ( 10 ) includes a limited number of keys, comprising direct-select keys ( 20 - 26 ) and navigation keys ( 30 - 36 ), which transmit programmable number key signals rather than dedicated key signals. Direct-select keys ( 20 - 26 ) are visually associated with icons displayed by the medial player by shape, color, and/or the like. The icons are dynamically associated with portions of content and/or software instructions stored on a medium, such as a DVD. Activating a direct-select key ( 20 - 26 ) cause the media player to access the associated content and/or instructions. The simplified remote control device ( 10 ) also includes navigation keys ( 30 - 36 ) associated with software instructions stored on the DVD, so that navigation operations are consistent for any media player that reads from the DVD. Dedicated keys can also be included.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an interactive media controlsystem, and more specifically to a simplified control system thatassociates a limited set of keys with command signals to enable dynamicinteraction with multi-media content through consistent and cursorlessnavigation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Remote control devices are commonly used to control electronic devicessuch as televisions (TVs), radios, video cassette recorders (VCRs),digital versatile disc (DVD) players, digital video recorders (DVRs),and the like. Remote control devices usually include arrow keys, arocker switch, or a thumbstick for navigating through options or menusdisplayed on a screen. The options or menu are typically displayed withicons or text that has no relation to any of the keys on the remotecontrol. Remote control devices also usually include some reservednavigation keys that enable a user to choose content. Conventionalreserved navigation keys have predefined command signals. For example,if a user presses a “Back” key on a conventional remote control device,a predefined command signal is transmitted to the DVD-player. The DVDplayer recognizes the command signal and returns to a previous portionof the DVD content. However, not all DVD players use the command signalfor the exact same function. Some DVD players interpret the signal as acommand to return to the beginning of a current section of the content.Other DVD players interpret the signal as a command to return to thebeginning of a prior section of the content.

Universal remote controls can be programmed to emulate one or morenative remote controls of manufacturers' devices. For example, universalremote controls include command sets for TVs and DVD players, so that auser can control both devices with a single universal remote control.Such universal remote controls usually include command sets for avariety of TV and DVD player manufacturers. When a user programs auniversal remote control, the user typically selects a command setcorresponding to one manufacture's device, such as one manufacturer'sDVD player. Some universal remote controls also enable a user to switchbetween multiple DVD players. In any case, each command set typicallyincludes predefined command signals that are reserved for conventionalnavigation keys. The predefined navigation commands are typicallyassigned to corresponding, dedicated navigation keys. Dedicated keysincrease the complexity of native remote controls and universal remotecontrols.

Also, a universal remote does not make navigation consistent betweendiffering DVD players. For example, the Back key on a universal remotecontrol will not cause differing DVD players to perform the same Backoperation. For instance, use of a universal remote control will notcause all DVD players to return to the beginning of a current section ofthe media content. Thus, current universal remote controls may be ableto control multiple devices, but current universal remote controls donot necessarily provide consistent control of differing devices. Thismay cause confusion for users with multiple devices, such as differentmodels of DVD players in multiple rooms of a house, in one or morevehicles (e.g., minivan DVD players), and/or other uses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention aredescribed with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings,like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the variousfigures unless otherwise specified.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will bemade to the following Detailed Description of the Invention, which is tobe read in association with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a simplified remote control according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary simplifiedremote control, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary DVD player;

FIG. 4A is a sample display of a menu from which a user may directlyselect access to other menus and/or additional multi-media content;

FIG. 4B is a sample display of a menu from which a user may directlyselect access to audio content of animal sounds;

FIG. 5A is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary logic for setting thesimplified remote control to use signals compatible with a user'sparticular model of DVD player;

FIG. 5B is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary logic for setting thesimplified remote control to transmit one or more additional commandsalong with a number key signal for certain models of DVD players; and

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary logic performed by theDVD player according to software instructions and content stored on theDVD.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, andwhich show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments bywhich the invention may be practiced. This invention may, however, maybe embodied in many different forms and should not be construed aslimited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodimentsare provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, andwill fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in theart. Among other things, the present invention may be embodied asmethods and/or devices. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Briefly stated, the invention is directed to a control system thatassociates a limited set of keys with non-reserved command signals toenable dynamic interaction with multi-media content through navigationof programmed menu options. In general, dedicated keys, with dedicatedcommand signals that control dedicated functions embedded in a mediaaccess device are not needed. Instead, programmable keys are associatedwith command signals that can control dynamically changeable operationsthat are accessed and executed by the media access device along withmulti-media content. Even predefined navigation operations areimplemented with the programmable keys and the embedded code accessed bythe media access device, rather than with dedicated keys and dedicatedfunctions of the device. However, dedicated keys can be included withthe control system to activate reserved operations, such as Back andForward operations of a network browser program.

Illustrative Simplified Remote Control

An exemplary embodiment is described in terms of a simplified remotecontrol system for interaction with multi-media content reproduced by aconventional DVD player, although the invention is not so limited. Theinvention can be applied to any control device that can control any of avariety of electronic devices and media access means, such as DVDplayers, DVRs, set top boxes, game devices, audio equipment, computingdevices, network access devices, lights, machines, and the like. Thefollowing exemplary embodiment is specifically described in terms of aremote control device for use by a child to control a DVD player forinteraction with entertainment and/or educational content stored on aDVD.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a simplified remote control 10 according to oneembodiment of the invention. Simplified remote control 10 includes ahousing 12 that is sized and shaped to be easy for a child to use.Simplified remote control 10 may be sized and shaped for a child tofreely hold in one or two hands, to set on a surface, and/or to beintegrated into another device. Simplified remote control 10 alsoincludes any number of keys to activate predefined and/or programmableoperations. The invention can be applied to remote control devices thatuse conventional keys and corresponding dedicated and programmableoperations. However, simplified remote control 10 is one example of, butnot limited to, a specialized remote control device with a limited setof keys that makes it easy for a child to interact with software andmedia content that conforms to an industry standard DVD-Videospecification. Details on the DVD-Video specification are available viathe DVD Forum (www.dvdforum.org) and the DVD Format/Logo LicensingCorporation (www.dvdfllc.co.jp), both of Tokyo Japan.

To interact with software controlled media content, a number of keys,referred to as direct-select keys 20-26, can be dynamically associatedwith operations that change throughout the course of a DVD program. Forexample, each key shape and/or color can be associated with a similarlyshaped and/or colored icon displayed on a TV to enable a user to selectfrom a plurality of operations programmed along with DVD media content.Each icon may be associated with a predefined portion of media, such asa video clip, and/or associated with an operation to be performed by theDVD player. Depressing a direct-select key, causes the DVD player toexecute a programmed DVD operation. Such operations can include jumpingto a particular location on the DVD and playing the content at thatlocation, switching audio streams such as a different language, or otheroperations. This direct-select navigation does not require cursor-basednavigation to reach the desired content. For example, conventionalcontrol systems typically require the user to manipulate arrow keys or athumbstick to move a highlighting cursor over menu items, up and down ahierarchical menu structure, or through drop-down menus. The userusually presses the enter key once the user navigates to the desiredoperation. However, direct-select navigation enables the user todirectly access the desired content with one click of one key.

In addition, a number of navigation keys 30-36 can be associated withnavigation operations defined by programs on the DVD, rather than usingconventional dedicated navigation functions that are embedded in the DVDplayer. Using consistent programs on the DVDs enables a user to navigatethrough the DVD media content in a consistent manner regardless of themake or model of DVD player. A Back key 32 can be used to activate aprogram from the DVD that causes the DVD player to return to thebeginning of a prior content section. Whereas, a repeat key 36 can beused to activate a program from the DVD that causes the DVD player toreturn to the beginning of a currently viewed content section. Thesekeys will consistently activate the same programs and cause the sameoperations, regardless of which DVD player is running the DVD.

Similarly, a Forward key 34 can be used to consistently cause the DVDplayer to skip to the beginning of the next content section, rather thanskip the whole next content section. These navigation operations can berelative to the level of a current content section. For example, if thecurrent content section is at a chapter level, the program can interpretForward key 34 as a command to skip to the next chapter. However, if thecurrent content section is at a scene level, the program can interpretForward key 34 as a command to skip to the next scene. A Home key 30 canbe used to cause the DVD player to jump to a most recent menu, ratherthan all the way to a top menu. If desired, the disc program can becoded to produce the opposite operations, and/or other operations.However, the operations will be consistent, regardless of which DVDplayer runs the disc program.

Activating programmed navigation operations and direct-select operationsis performed with programmable number key codes. Software provided on aDVD enables the DVD player to interpret a received number key code as acommand to perform a consistent navigation operation or anotheroperation that is currently associated with a selected key. Depressing akey on simplified remote control 10 causes one or more transmitters totransmit a number key code to a receiver in the DVD player. Predefinedcodes can also be used with dedicated keys on the remote control toactivate predefined operations, such as predefined navigation operationsof a browser program, a predefined pause operation, a predefined stopoperation, and the like.

FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary simplifiedremote control, according to one embodiment of the invention. Thesimplified remote control may include many more or fewer components thanthose shown. The components shown, however, are sufficient to disclosean illustrative embodiment for practicing the invention. The simplifiedremote control includes a controller 50 that coordinates remote controlprocesses. Controller 50 is in communication with one or moretransmitters 52, such as infrared transmitters, radio frequency (RF)transmitters, wired communication interfaces, and the like. If multipletransmitters are used, they can be connected in serial or parallel, butparallel connections prevent failure of remaining transmitters if onetransmitter fails. Controller 50 is also in communication with a keypad54, which includes the keys illustrated and discussed with regard toFIG. 1. Keypad 54 can include multiple types of keys on multiple facesof the remote control. A memory 56 provides permanent and temporarystorage for instructions and data used by controller 50. A power supply58, such as a battery, provides power to other components of the remotecontrol.

Illustrative Media Control

FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary DVD player. TheDVD player may include many more or fewer components than those shown.The components shown, however, are sufficient to disclose anillustrative embodiment for practicing the invention. The DVD playerincludes a processor 60 that coordinates media playing processes.Processor 60 is in communication with one or more receivers 62, such asinfrared receivers, RF receivers, and the like. Processor 60 is also incommunication with a drive 64, which may be internal or external. Drive64 can include a permanent medium, such as a magnetic disk, and/or aremovable medium 65, such as an optical DVD. Permanent or removablemedium stores content and machine instructions used by processor 60. Thecontent and/or machine instructions could also be accessed from a remotesource through a communication network (not shown), such as from a cableservice provider, a streaming media provider, and the like. A memory 66can also provide permanent and/or temporary storage for instructions anddata used by processor 60. A power supply 68, such as a battery,provides power to other components of the remote control. Processor 60and/or memory 66 are further in communication with a display interface70, which communicates image data to a display 72, such as an externalTV and/or an integrated monitor. The exemplary DVD player may alsoinclude an audio interface, speakers, an LED display, status lights,auxiliary ports, and/or other components.

FIG. 4A is a sample display 74 of a menu from which a user may directlyselect access to other menus, additional multi-media content, and/orother operations. The menu of this embodiment is comprised of contentstored on a removable medium, such as a DVD. In this embodiment,controlling software is also obtained from the DVD and instructs the DVDplayer to retrieve and display the content as shown in sample display74. Included in the content are a set of icons 80-86, which aredisplayed with a shape and/or color similar to keys 20-26 of simplifiedremote control 10 shown in FIG. 1. Icons 80 a-86 a of FIG. 4A may beassociated with textual descriptions 81 a-87 a and/or graphics 81 b-87b, respectively. Icons 80 a-86 a can also be associated with audiodescriptions. Each textual description, audio description, and/orgraphic indicates another menu level, an activity, a portion ofmulti-media content, an action, and/or other data or operation that isaccessible if a user activates a corresponding key on the simplifiedremote control that has the similar shape and/or color as the associatedicon. For example, text 82 a and graphic 8 b indicate that the user canaccess a menu of animal sounds if the user depresses direct-select key22 on simplified remote control 10 that corresponds to icon 82.

Depressing a direct-select key causes simplified remote control 10 totransmit a signal corresponding to a programmable number key of a nativeremote control device. For instance, depressing direct-select key 22causes simplified remote control 10 to transmit a signal correspondingto programmable number key 5 of a remote control device that is nativeto the DVD player being used to display the content. The DVD playerreceives the signal and determines that the signal corresponds toprogrammable number key 5. The DVD player notifies the controllingsoftware that programmable number key 5 was depressed. The controllingsoftware then executes instructions associated with programmable numberkey 5. In this case, the controlling software executes a LinkPGCNinstruction, which conforms to the DVD-Video specification and causesthe DVD player to link to a specific program chain. The program chaincauses the DVD player to access and display another portion of contentfrom the DVD. In the above example, the other portion of contentcomprises a menu of animal sounds.

FIG. 4B is a sample display 76 of a menu from which a user may directlyselect access to audio content of animal sounds. Icons 80 b-86 b aredisplayed with a shape and/or color similar to direct-select keys 20-26of simplified remote control 10 shown in FIG. 1. Icons 80 b-86 b of FIG.4B may be associated with corresponding textual descriptions, audiodescriptions, and/or graphics 91-97. Each textual description, audiodescription, and/or graphic indicates an animal for which audio contentis available. For example, the user can access and hear a chicken soundif the user depresses direct-select key 20 on simplified remote control10 that corresponds to icon 80 b.

Depressing direct-select key 20 causes simplified remote control 10 totransmit a signal corresponding to programmable number key 4. The DVDplayer notifies the controlling software that programmable number key 4was depressed, and the controlling software executes the associatedinstructions. In this case, the controlling software executes aJumpVTS_TT instruction, which causes the DVD player to jump to aparticular video title set and title on the DVD. In the above example,the specified video title set and title can include visual and/or audiomedia assets of a crowing chicken, which is played by the DVD player.

Other types of operations can also be associated with the direct-selectkeys. For example, one of the direct-select keys could be associatedwith a multi-angle operation that enables the user to switch todifferent views of the crowing chicken. Another direct-select key couldbe associated with an audio stream operation that enables the user toswitch to different crowing sounds of different chicken breeds. Afurther example includes a subpicture operation that activates asub-display over the primary display. Yet another example is a settingsoperation that enables the user to change settings of variables such asthe score for an interactive game. Conceptually, any operation can beassociated with a direct-select key, including navigation operations,which could enable the navigation keys to be eliminated and therebycontrol sequencing. This might be useful in an educational embodiment,which could require a student to complete a set of operations beforeproviding navigation operations that might enable the user to go back toa previous portion or skip forward to a different portion of content,such as a reward game. Alternatively, one or more existing navigationkeys can be dynamically locked out be associating the navigation keywith a null operation.

However, separate navigation keys are generally provided, and eachnavigation key is also associated with a programmable number key, whichis used to execute one or more instructions provided on the DVD (oraccessible from another source). In this way, the controlling softwarecan provide consistent navigation, regardless of which DVD player isexecuting the controlling software. Some or all of the navigation keysmay be inactivated during the display of certain portions of thecontent. For example, while a menu of multiple selections is displayed,the controlling software may ignore the Forward navigation key, becauseit may be unclear which portion of content should be accessed.Alternatively, the controlling software may interpret the Forwardnavigation key to access the each selectable portion of content in asequence.

Logic

Although the controlling software can be run on any DVD player, thesimplified remote control must be able to transmit programmable numberkey signals that a particular DVD player will recognize. Many DVDplayers require differing signals and/or sequences of signals torecognize programmable number keys. Thus, the simplified remote controlmust be set to transmit signals associated with the user's particularmodel of DVD player.

FIG. 5A is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary logic for setting thesimplified remote control to use signals compatible with a user'sparticular model of DVD player. At an operation 100, the user inserts aprogramming DVD into the DVD player. The programming DVD includessoftware and content for instructing the user on how to “program” thesimplified remote control. The programming software and content can bestored on its own DVD or included on a DVD with other content, such asentertainment content. At an operation 102, the DVD player loads andexecutes the programming software, which causes the DVD player todisplay text and/or audio/visual instructions to the user. Theinstructions include information on how the user should set thesimplified remote control into a programming mode, which the user doesat an operation 104. Activating programming mode can be implemented witha switch provided on the simplified remote control, pressing acombination of keys on the simplified remote control, or other methods.

Once in the programming mode, the simplified remote control switches amacro setting to off. The macro setting indicates whether one or moreadditional command signals must be transmitted with a programmablenumber key signal. For example, some DVD players require an “Enter”signal following a number key signal before these DVD players willaccept the number key signal as a valid command from a remote control.When using the native remote control with one of these DVD players, auser would press a number key and also press an Enter key. Although thistwo-step process may prevent unintended number key commands, thistwo-step process can be cumbersome for some users, especially children.The two-step process is also inconsistent with other DVD players that donot require the additional Enter signal. To make use of the simplifiedremote control consistent for any DVD player, the simplified remotecontrol can be programmed with a macro setting that will automaticallysend the additional command signal(s) if needed. Initially, however, themacro setting is set to off.

At an operation 108, the user enters a model code into the simplifiedremote control. The model code identifies the make and model of the DVDplayer with which the simplified remote control will interface. The usermay enter the model code with the navigation keys and/or thedirect-select keys. Alternatively, the simplified remote control can beequipped with a secondary keypad that may be hidden within a coveredportion of the simplified remote control. Based on the model codeentered, the simplified remote control accesses its memory at anoperation 110 for a corresponding command set. This access may beperformed with a look-up table, as a calculation based on the modelcode, or other access method.

At an operation 112, the user then presses a key that was specified inthe instructions that were displayed to the user. For example, theinstructions may ask the user to press the Repeat key as a test. At anoperation 114, the simplified remote control determines the number keyvalue associated with pressed key (as defined by the command set of themodel code), and transmits the corresponding number key signal to theDVD player.

At a decision operation 116, the DVD player receives the number keysignal and determines whether the signal is recognized by the DVDplayer. If the DVD player does not recognize the number key signal, theDVD player will ignore it. Alternatively, the DVD player may interpretthe number key signal as a command other than the intended command,which may cause the DVD player to perform an unexpected action. Thiswould indicate to the user that the entered model code was not correct.If the DVD player does not react at all to the number key signal for apredetermined period, the software instructions cause the DVD player toaccess and display instructions at an operation 118, which tell the userto try a different model code. However, if the DVD player recognizes thenumber key signal, the DVD player notifies the software of the numberreceived. Additional logic is continued in FIG. 5B via a connector A.

FIG. 5B is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary logic for setting thesimplified remote control to transmit one or more additional commandsalong with a number key signal for certain models of DVD players. At anoperation 120, the software that was read from the DVD causes the DVDplayer to access and display content that instructs the user to test akey on the simplified remote control, such as one of the direct-selectkeys or one of the navigation keys. The software also causes the DVDplayer to start a timer. The user presses the key, at an operation 124.Accordingly, the simplified remote control determines the correspondingnumber key code and transmits the number key code signal to the DVDplayer.

At a decision operation 126, the DVD player determines whether it hasreceived a valid number key command and can pass the received number keycode to the software that was read from the DVD. If the DVD player is amodel that does not require an additional command signal, such as anEnter signal, the DVD player will immediately relay the received numberkey code to the software. In that case, the software causes the DVDplayer to access and display a “Success” screen, which indicates to theuser that the simplified remote control is properly set. The softwaremay be defined to react only to a specific number key code or to any ofthe number key codes.

However, if the DVD player is a model that requires an additionalcommand signal, such as an Enter signal, the DVD player will not becapable of relaying only the number key code to the software, becausethe DVD player will be expecting the additional command signal. In thatcase, the software timer will run until it expires. When the softwaretimer expires, the software causes the DVD player to access and displayalternate content that instructs the user to set a “Macro” code in thesimplified remote control, and to then to retest the key. The Macro codecan be set by a switch on the simplified remote control, by pressing acombination of keys, and/or by other methods. After setting the Macrocode, the user presses a key at an operation 132 to repeat the test. Atan operation 134, the simplified remote control determines thecorresponding number key code and transmits the number key code signalto the DVD player. The simplified remote control also transmits theadditional command signal, such as the Enter signal. At decisionoperation 126, the DVD player receives the number key code signal andthe additional command signal, which this model of DVD player recognizesas a valid and complete command. The DVD player can then relay thenumber key code to the software, which reacts by instructing the DVDplayer to access and display the Success content at operation 128.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that other methods ofprogramming the remote control are possible, such as simply having theuser cycle through model codes, wherein some of the model codescorrespond to command sets that already include the macro setting tocause the Enter command to be transmitted with a key number code. Thoseskilled in the art will also recognize that a counter can also be usedto detect multiple user tests. After multiple failures, the software mayinstruct the DVD player to access and display content that instructs theuser to try a different model code and/or to seek additional help.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary logic performed by theDVD player according to software instructions and content stored on theDVD. At an operation 140, the DVD player loads and initializes thesoftware from the DVD. Initialization can include allocating memory,assigning variables, and the like. For embodiments that do not include aremovable DVD, operation 140 can include accessing and obtaining thesoftware, such as from a remote electronic device through a networkconnection. At another initial operation 142, the software associates asubset of the number key codes with navigation operations controlled bythe software. This subset can be referred to as navigation number codes.The corresponding navigation operations can be referred to as autoactionnavigation operations, because the navigation operations can beimplemented with autoaction functions defined by the DVD-Videospecification.

In one embodiment, the programmable number key code 1 is used as anavigation number code to indicate the Back operation. The Backoperation can be implemented with a “Mov GPRM10” autoaction function,which moves a pointer to a program chain corresponding to the beginningof a section of content that is prior to a current section of content.Other examples include using number key code 2 as a navigation numbercode to indicate the “Home” operation, using number key code 3 as anavigation number code to indicate the “Forward” operation, and usingnumber key code 8 as a navigation number code to indicate the “Repeat”operation. During operation 142, the Repeat operation can also be set asa default operation, which may be equivalent to the Enter function formany conventional remote controls and DVD players. The Repeat key couldthen be used as an Enter key if the software ever called for an Entercommand.

At an operation 144, the software instructs the DVD player to access andload content from the DVD. Initial content can comprise a menu includinga number of content assets such as a background, an audio/visualsequence, and icons that are similar in color and/or shape to thedirect-select keys. The software also associates another subset of thenumber key codes with direct-select operations at an operation 146. Thissecond subset can be referred to as menu number codes, which areassociated with the direct-select keys on the simplified remote control.Similar to the autoaction navigation operations, the correspondingdirect-select operations can be referred to as autoaction direct-selectoperations, because the direct-select operations can also be implementedwith autoaction functions defined by the DVD-Video specification.

While the autoaction navigation operations will perform the samefunctions regardless of the displayed content, the software candynamically change the autoaction direct-select operations, depending onthe menu level and/or activities made available to the user. Each menunumber code is associated with an autoaction direct-select operationthat is relevant to the current menu level. This dynamic assignment ofautoaction direct-select operations was illustrated by the differentoptions made available to the user in the displays of FIGS. 4A and 4B.When the menu number codes are dynamically assigned, the softwareinstructs the DVD player to display the current menu content at anoperation 146. The displayed icons are associated with currentlyavailable autoaction direct-select operations, such as those shown inFIG. 4A.

When a user presses one of the keys, and the simplified remote controltransmits a number key code signal, the DVD player detects the numberkey code at an operation 150. Depending on the setting of the simplifiedremote control, the DVD player may also detect an Enter code at anoptional operation 152. As long as the simplified remote control isproperly programmed, the DVD player recognizes the number key code andrelays it to the software.

At a decision operation 154, the software determines whether thereceived number key code is one of the navigation number codes. If thereceived number key code is not a navigation number code, the softwaredetermines which of the menu number codes is associated with thereceived number key code. At an operation 156, the software branches tothe corresponding autoaction direct-select operation, which comprises asub-module of one or more instructions. The instructions cause the DVDplayer to access and present content at an operation 158, such as a nextmenu, a multi-media performance, and the like. As indicated above,operation 158 can also comprise an action such as switching view angle,audio stream, subpicture stream, variable settings, and the like.

Conversely, if the received number key code is a navigation number code,the software determines which navigation number code is associated withthe received number key code. At an operation 160, the software branchesto the corresponding, which comprises a sub-module of one or moreinstructions for implementing the desired navigation. The instructionscause the DVD player to access and present content reached by theautoaction navigation operation. For instance, the instructions maycause the DVD player to access and display a prior section of content ifthe Back key was pressed.

After performing the navigation operation or presenting thedirect-select content, the software may optionally branch to a next menuat an operation 164. The next menu may be identified in the instructionsof the autoaction navigation operation or the autoaction direct-selectoperation. Software control then return to operation 144 to load thenext menu content and continue until selects an Exit operation providedby the software.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. For example, the remote control device can be adapted tocontrol access to markup language content through a network. The remotecontrol device could be used in place of a keyboard and/or mouse, whichmay be easier for children, seniors, and/or disabled users. The softwareassociated with the direct-select keys and the navigation keys couldalso provide parental control and/or other controlled access to webcontent and/or other media. Since many embodiments of the invention canbe made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention,the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. A control system comprising: a transmitter for transmitting commandsignals to a media control system that executes machine instructionsassociated with media content, wherein the machine instructions can beselectively associated with the command signals, and wherein the mediacontent stored on a removable disc includes at least one of a graphic, ashape, a color, text, and audio data; a direct-select key incommunication with the transmitter and having a property that isreplicated in an icon on a display of the media control system, whereinthe property associates the direct-select key with the icon on thedisplay such that activation of the direct-select key causes thetransmitter to transmit a first command signal to instruct the mediacontrol system to initiate an operation that is selectively associatedwith the icon, and wherein the icon is provided by the media contentstored on a removable disc; and a navigation key in communication withthe transmitter, activation of the navigation key causing thetransmitter to transmit a second command signal to instruct the mediacontrol system to perform a navigation operation that is defined by themachine instructions such that the navigation operation will be the samefor any of a plurality of media control systems which access the machineinstructions.
 2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the transmittercomprises one of an infrared transmitter and a radio frequencytransmitter.
 3. The control system of claim 1, wherein the property isat least one of a shape and a color.
 4. The control system of claim 1,wherein activation of the direct-select key causes the transmitter totransmit the first command signal to instruct the media control systemto initiate one of a menu, a media asset, a change in a setting, and anavigation operation.
 5. The control system of claim 1, wherein thenavigation operation comprises one of a back operation to a priorsection of content, a repeat operation to a beginning of a currentsection of content, a forward operation to a next section of content,and a home operation to activate a prior level menu.
 6. The controlsystem of claim 1, wherein an additional command signal can be selectedto be transmitted with each of the first command signal and the secondcommand signal for those media control systems that require theadditional command signal.
 7. The control system of claim 1, furthercomprising a memory storing a plurality of selectable sets of commandsignals that correspond to a plurality of media control systems whereinthe control system can be set to use one of the plurality of selectablesets for transmitting the first and second command signals.
 8. Thecontrol system of claim 1, wherein the machine instructions conform to adigital versatile disc (DVD) specification.
 9. the control system ofclaim 1, wherein the control system replaces a native remote controldevice that was designed specifically for use with the media controlsystem and which includes predefined keys which when activated, causespredefined command signals to be transmitted to the media control systemto perform predefined operations.
 10. The control system of claim 1,further comprising a housing that is sized and shaped to be held withone of one and two hands and wherein the transmitter, the direct-selectkey, and the navigation key are exposed through orifices in the housing.11. The control system of claim 1 further comprising at least one of:additional direct-select keys and additional navigation keys such that atotal number of keys is within a number permitted by a DVD videospecification for programmable number keys; and a dedicated key thatactivates a predefined operation of the media control system.
 12. Amethod for controlling operations associated with electronic mediacontent stored on a removable disc comprising: providing a controldevice that communicates with a media content access device, wherein thecontrol device includes: a direct-select key associated with a firstcommand signal that can be communicated from the control device to themedia content access device upon activation of the direct-select key andwherein the first command signal corresponds to a non-reserved firstprogrammable command signal recognized by the media content accessdevice; and a navigation key associated with a second command signalthat can be communicated from the control device to the media contentaccess device upon activation of the navigation key and wherein thesecond command signal corresponds to a non-reserved second programmablecommand signal recognized by the media content access device; displayingan icon provided by the electronic media content stored on a removabledisc that shares a property of the direct-select key and that isdynamically associated with an operation of the media content accessdevice; performing a direct-selection operation with the media contentaccess device if the first command signal is detected by the mediacontent access device as a result of activation of the direct-select keyon the remote control device; and performing a navigation operation withthe media content access device to navigate to a desired portion of theelectronic media content if the second command signal is detected by themedia content access device as a result of activation of the navigationkey on the remote control device, wherein the electronic media contentstored on a removable disc includes at least one of a graphic, a shape,a color, text, and audio data.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein thedirect-select operation comprises one of accessing a menu, accessing amedia asset, changing a setting, and navigating to a portion of theelectronic media content.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein thenavigation operation comprises one of a back operation to a priorsection of content, a repeat operation to a beginning of a currentsection of content, a forward operation to a next section of content,and a home operation to activate a prior level menu.
 15. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the property is at least one of a shape and a color.16. The method of claim 12, wherein the direct-select operation and thenavigation operation are implemented with machine instructions thatconform to a digital versatile disc (DVD) specification.
 17. The methodof claim 12, further comprising dynamically associating the icon with adifferent operation of the media content access device after thedirect-select operation is performed.
 18. The method of claim 12,further comprising detecting an additional command signal beforeperforming one of the direct-select operation and the navigationoperation.
 19. The method of claim 12, further comprising: displayinginstructions to a user to enter a code value with the remote controldevice to set the remote control device to transmit the first commandsignal and the second command signal in conformance with the mediacontent access device; detecting a test command signal from the remotecontrol device within a predefined period; and providing a successmessage to the user if the test command signal is detected within thepredefined period.
 20. A machine readable medium storing data andinstructions that cause a media content access device to perform theoperations of: displaying an icon provided by an electronic mediacontent stored on the machine readable medium that shares a property ofa direct-select key of a control device, wherein the electronic mediacontent stored on the machine readable medium includes at least one of agraphic, a shape, a color, text, and audio data; dynamically associatingthe icon with a direct-select operation associated with the electronicmedia content stored on the machine readable medium; performing thedirect-select operation with the media content access device if a firstcommand signal is detected by the media content access device as aresult of activation of the direct-select key on the control device; andperforming a navigation operation with the media content access deviceto navigate to a desired portion of the electronic media content storedon the machine readable medium if a second command signal is detected bythe media content access device as a result of activation of anavigation key on the control device.